Cape Verde and Congo surge in latest FIFA African rankings
FIFA has released its updated world rankings this Thursday, revealing significant shifts in the African football landscape following the start of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
Algeria remains the continent’s top-ranked nation, holding 20th place globally, followed closely by Ivory Coast in 22nd. Tunisia completes the African top three after an impressive climb of 11 places, now ranked 31st worldwide.
Ghana retains fourth place in Africa (33rd in the world), with Senegal rising thanks to two qualifying wins, now placed 36th globally.
Nigeria has slipped four spots to sixth in Africa and 37th worldwide. However, the standout performers in this ranking update are Cape Verde and Congo, who have made remarkable progress. Cape Verde climbed 23 places to seventh in Africa and 41st in the world, while Congo jumped an impressive 30 places to 11th in Africa and 48th globally.
Rounding out the African top ten are Cameroon (42nd), Guinea (48th), and Burkina Faso (also 48th).
On the other hand, some nations suffered notable drops. Egypt fell 23 places to 13th in Africa and 61st worldwide. Sierra Leone tumbled 25 spots to 17th in Africa and 75th globally, while Togo experienced the steepest decline, sliding 38 places to 35th in Africa and 125th worldwide.
These rankings provide a snapshot of shifting power dynamics as teams gear up for the 2015 AFCON tournament, with emerging nations like Cape Verde and Congo signaling growing strength in African football.
